Is reciting the Qur'an from memory better than reciting it from the Mushaf, taking into account the words of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him: "Are you reciting them by heart?" and the greater likelihood of a focused heart when reciting from memory?

The best way to recite the Quran is that which increases humility (khushu‘). If reciting from memory increases humility, then that is better. If reciting from the Mus'haf (physical copy) increases humility, then that is better. If humility is equal in both cases, then reciting from the Mus'haf is better because it combines recitation with looking, and it protects the eyesight from distraction. As for the Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) hadith: “Are you reciting them from memory?”, it does not indicate that reciting from memory is better than reciting by looking. Rather, the intent was to ascertain that the Companion had memorized the surahs so that he could teach them to his wife, thus enabling the teaching.